I would recommend you scroll down this site a little further and you will find you happen to be the one state that is so weird you have your very own forum. And you will get a nasty dose of reality there the one thing all those guys seem to have in common is they make a lot less per account than the rest of us.

I would also definitely recommend you set up as a S corp or a LLC. So do this read up on all forms of business and talk to your accountant ask him questions and decide weather hes going to remain your accountant.

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Here you will learn from the school of old knocks.
I think you need an accountant in the beginning to help you set up books.
You have to learn them for yourself.

I suspect Texas is the next most competitive state but our season is not as long.

Obviously it is easier for someone who has a year or two (or more) under their belt to look at their expenses and get an idea of what they are working with.

You need to set up a chart of accounts and do your very best to guesstimate what you will spend on all of these different categories... usually the things hardest to guess on are labor, subcontractors and cost of goods sold (fertilizer, seed, soil, mulch, etc.)

Numbers never lie. Everyone's situation is different. Everyone runs their business differently. Everyone has different expenses.

... I strongly suggest quickbooks or someother account program and find a pro-advisor that is willing to do books and teach you the ropes. Take classes anything. Otherwise you are doomed.

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This is an under statement ... if this person has to ask these basic type questions he really shouldn't go into business for himself ... at least until he gets a better understanding of these things !!

It might take a little time to figure out equiptment cost per hour, but heres a small sample.

Typical day.

Truck cost .80$ per mile x40 miles 32.00

Handheld cost 1.00$ per hour run 2.5 hours 2.50

Mower cost 8.00$ per hour run 3 hours 24.00

Just the basics run me close to 60$ per day, its really a expensive business to operate.

The plus side if my truck doesnt leave home Im not out anything

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That's why I combined work day's and cut out yard's I didn't like.

All equipment is wore out. <- Never mind. All equipment has been repainted and with new decals. It's like I have new mower's again!
48" Ferris WB
36" Ferris WB
All Echo hand helds <- That's how I feel at the end of the day.

This is an under statement ... if this person has to ask these basic type questions he really shouldn't go into business for himself ... at least until he gets a better understanding of these things !!

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Thanks, but I thought that is what I'm doing on here.Posted via Mobile Device

Well I dont cut grass at night, in summer I work 5 to 6 days per week, sometimes 7.

My route is full or even over overbooked, driving 40 miles round trip is not unreasonable.

Dont underestmate the expense of a lawncare business.

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I use to work like that, I just don't care too anymore.

All equipment is wore out. <- Never mind. All equipment has been repainted and with new decals. It's like I have new mower's again!
48" Ferris WB
36" Ferris WB
All Echo hand helds <- That's how I feel at the end of the day.